Filter In Betta's Tank

[ChilliPepper]

I have a 5.5/6g Hex tank for my Betta and two Amano shrimps. It is currently filtered using an Algarde sponge filter powered by an airpump. I bought a Fluval mini to use on the tank, as the shrimps produce a hell of a lot of poop and the tank is a nightmare to clean. This filter cleaned it up a treat, but Sherbet was not happy. The flow was far too much for the little guy, so I had to take it out.
The sponge filter has no finally come away from the sides and will no longer suck onto the glass. The suckers are rigid now and just won't stick. I have tried a couple of other suckers I had lying around but they are either too big or too small. The filter is now sort of floating, but submerged, in his tank.

So, my question is, what do I do? Just get another Algarde filter? Try and find a way to redirect the flow on the Fluval? Or get a better size rectangle tank for the Fluval? This is a favourable option as obviously I could have some more fish then But finances are low, so...

I know I could just take the shrimps out and put them in my 50g, but if I ever need to catch them they are a nightmare plus got more area to spread poop and the Plec is bad enough in there

What would you do?

 

[Curiosity101]

Can you not cut a little hole in some sponge... from the sponge filter maybe? Slot it over the outflow of the fluval mini and hold it in place with a tie wrap (not too tight though cause then you can wiggle the sponge out if it ever gets clogged.

This'll really help to disperse the flow from the filter.

Alternatively for a few quid you can buy a spray bar for more fluvals, or fashion your own using airline tubing of the correct thickness. You'd need to find something to bung the end (like aquarium sealant), or try melting the rubber... but I'm not sure whether melting it it the safest bet cause I don't know enough about rubber to say burnt/melted rubber is safe in a tank.

 

[kizno1]

You can use a bit of pipe to connect the output to a spray bar and the point the spray bar at the glass so it doesnt slow down the LPH but wont create a current through the hole tank.

 

[ChilliPepper]

Thanks, the sponge is a good idea if I can find a way to keep it in place. Unfortunately can't use a spray bar as the tank is hexagonal so not flat side long enough to stick it to.

 

[Curiosity101]

You don't have to stick it to the tank wall, it'd just slot over/into the outlet.

 

[BethK]

can you not just turn the outlet away and face it towards the tank side.

 

[VaegaVic]

can you not just turn the outlet away and face it towards the tank side.

I came in to say this.
Either that or just stuff it with filter floss, reducing the flow whilst making the water a lot clearer.

 

[OldMan47]

Why not just buy a new suction cup. They are sold in kits containing about 6 to 8 as replacements at my local fish shops for very reasonable prices.

 

[ChilliPepper]

can you not just turn the outlet away and face it towards the tank side.

Unfortunately not. It hasn't got any adjustment on it.

Why not just buy a new suction cup. They are sold in kits containing about 6 to 8 as replacements at my local fish shops for very reasonable prices.

I could do, but then I've still got the problem of a filter which isn't good enough.

 

[Josiee]

Spray bar. Like Curiosity said, it doesn't need a suction cup as it is quite firmly attatched to the filter outflow bit. Hope this helps.

 

[ChilliPepper]

Spray bar. Like Curiosity said, it doesn't need a suction cup as it is quite firmly attatched to the filter outflow bit. Hope this helps.

Can you get really short spray bars?

I am going to try and find a regular rectangular aquarium as well.

 

[kizno1]

Spray bar. Like Curiosity said, it doesn't need a suction cup as it is quite firmly attatched to the filter outflow bit. Hope this helps.

Can you get really short spray bars?

I am going to try and find a regular rectangular aquarium as well.

If not you can use a longer on and cut it down and either use the plug that came with it or block the end with a load of silicone.

 

[Josiee]

^

Yeah... that

 

[ChilliPepper]

OK, thanks